CELEBRATING A LONGTIME EDUCATOR – Staff at San Jose Elementary School are celebrating the work and commitment of longtime paraprofessional Wedad Mardini. Mardini has served in the role for nearly 21 years and leads 11 other paraprofessionals at the school. Mardini also hails from Jordan, speaking both Arabic and English. One of her peers says the following: “She’s the embodiment of a true educator– patient, empathetic and compassionate."
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNIZES THRIVE SCHOLARS – Congratulations to our Thrive Scholars, bright individuals who will one day become our community's next generation of corporate, civic, and academic leaders. Students from a dozen schools were recognized as being part of the 2025 cohort of students who will be supported with college-level instruction, personal mentoring, and more.
MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD – This month, the School Board read a proclamation officially recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child and April 15, 2025, as Purple Up! For Military Kids Day. With this proclamation, the board reaffirmed the district’s support for our over 6,000 military-connected children and highlighted our 32 Purple Star Schools of Distinction.
GUITAR STUDENTS SHARE LOVE OF MUSIC – Students in Douglas Anderson School of the Arts’ Guitar Program are hitting all of the right notes as they perform for other students across the district. Members of the school’s Guitar Ensemble recently visited Thomas Jefferson and Lone Star elementary schools, speaking to students about the program and what it is like to attend LaVilla and Douglas Anderson.
STUDENT STARTS SHOE TYING CLUB – Anisa Williamson, an 8th grader in Joseph Stilwell Middle School's Supported Level Academics (SLA) Program, recognized a need for students with disabilities to learn how to tie their shoes. This led her to take the initiative to start the Shoe Tying Club. The club met each Friday for six weeks, with Williams taking time to instruct her peers. Williamson hosted a graduation ceremony for members, using her own funds to give students gifts and pizza.
A PRINCIPAL'S PASSION FOR STEM – Oceanway Middle School Principal Elizabeth Stansel is being praised for the way she empowers students through STEAM, or Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics. STEAM Outreach Coordinator Rhosalee Mangalindan-Stewart shares the following: “I admire our principal, Ms. Stansel, for her unwavering support of STEAM2 initiatives! From the career fair to STEM Cup, she's revolutionizing our school's culture and empowering students to thrive in STEM fields! She personally makes sure our students have the best possible learning environment.”
TEACHER CREATES PEACE GARDEN – A special shoutout goes out to Gregory Drive Elementary School teacher Shirley Thomas for using her ingenuity to create a peaceful space for students, teachers, and parents. The second grade teacher is credited with putting a team together to transform the school’s atrium into a Peace Garden. Students use the space to gain calm, teachers hold classes in the garden, and parents frequently come out to each lunch with their students. Great work!
CELEBRATING A VALUED PARAPROFESSIONAL – Our celebration of paraprofessionals continues with a shoutout for Angela Cole of Waterleaf Elementary School. Team Duval parent Jessica Fernandez shares the following: “When I think of people who should be in education, I think of Ms. Angela Cole, my daughter’s VPK paraprofessional. Ms. Cole is kind, patient, nurturing, and a true rockstar. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to support our littlest learners and always does so with warmth and positivity.”
IMPROVING ESE SERVICES - Your voice matters! In less than five minutes, you can help us improve services for students with disabilities by completing a short survey.
This survey is open to all families whose children receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services—from preschool through 12th grade—as well as parents of students with disabilities who are 18 or older. What’s the purpose? Each year, the Florida Department of Education invites families of students with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) to share feedback on how well schools are partnering with parents to support students with disabilities. The survey is quick, easy, and can be completed online: https://fldoepaads.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_881xTFo6E6C6ZJI. Prefer a paper version? Use this link: Download the paper-based ESE Parent Survey
Thank you for your time and partnership in helping us build stronger programs for every learner!
CELEBRATING OUR PARAPROFESSIONALS - Thank you to the more than 1,360 Team Duval paraprofessionals who support students and schools every day! From classroom management to individualized student support, paraprofessionals play a critical role in the success of students. Thank you all for the passion and care you bring to Duval County Public Schools!
TEST PREP BOOT CAMP - Testing season is around the corner, and we’re here to help! Team Duval is hosting a FREE test prep “boot camp” just for parents on Saturday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Schultz Center. This interactive event will give parents the tools and insights to better support their child’s success. Hear from education experts as they break down key assessments in Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Plus, dive into sessions on college readiness, ACT/SAT prep, and decoding test data. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your confidence and help your student shine! Reserve your spot now: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/parent-and-family-engagement
REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP – Registration is now open for our fee-based summer camps. This includes our summer Driver’s Ed program. Whether your child is looking to explore new interests or gain valuable skills, there's something for everyone. Secure your spot today! Visit our Summer Camp Webpage for more information and registration info: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/summer-camp
BUS REGISTRATION - If your student will be riding the bus next school year, make sure to complete their registration as soon as possible. This includes families of students in self-contained ESE programs. The earlier you register, the better! Forms are available in Focus, but for step-by-step instructions, visit http://www.duvalschools.org/busregistration.
STUDENTS HONOR CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY – Ten students with the district’s 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project took an unforgettable trip to Selma, Alabama to commemorate 60 years of Civil Rights history. Students relived walking across the Pettus Bridge, the site where hundreds of African American demonstrators marched for the right to vote, culminating in a brutal attack known as “Bloody Sunday.” In addition to the bridge crossing, students also participated in a variety of educational events.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND – Today we celebrate Shannon Erickson, a third-grade teacher at Jacksonville Beach Elementary School for excelling in her professional development. Erickson recently completed an ESOL endorsement course designed to help educators more effectively teach and support students learning to speak English. Erickson’s course facilitator was so impressed with her hard work, she nominated her to receive special recognition in front of her class. Congratulations on a job well done!
PARENT PRAISES KINDERGARTEN TEACHER – Today’s Team Duval Shoutout comes from a proud parent who is thankful for his son’s kindergarten teacher, Devonna Merton. Dimitri Diamond shares how the Venetia Elementary educator is impacting his son: “Every week there is something fun they're doing that relates to what they're learning. My son is autistic, so keeping him engaged and understanding can be difficult, but she does it somehow. I've never met a teacher so amazing and compassionate with all her students.” Amazing work!
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR - Congratulations to our 2025 School-Related Employee of the Year, Aya Linsner! A dedicated paraprofessional at Crown Point Elementary, Lisner goes above and beyond every day—serving as a bus and crosswalk monitor, assisting students with reading and math, and helping run the student positive behavior support store. Her kindness, commitment, and passion for student success make a lasting impact. As Principal Brett Hartley shared, “Everyone at Crown Point adores Ms. Linsner. She is so loving to our students that they can’t wait to work with her. Teachers trust her completely, knowing their students are in good hands.” Thank you, Ms. Linsner, for your dedication to our students and school community!
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LAVILLA – LaVilla School of the Arts is 25 years old! In honor of the quarter-century milestone, the dance department recently welcomed school alum Joseph Markey, a corps de ballet member with the American Ballet Theater. During his visit, Markey taught classes and participated in a photoshoot with students. Dance Department Director Michelle Ottley-Fisher says Markey is one of many alumni who have been invited to participate in the 25th anniversary celebrations by sharing through master classes, lectures, choreography, and performances.
HIGHLIGHTING PAXON AND THOMAS JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY - Congratulations to Paxon School for Advanced Studies and Thomas Jefferson Elementary for being recognized as 2024-25 National Merit Schools of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America. This prestigious honor reflects their commitment to academic achievement and building community partnerships that strengthen the school's magnet theme and offerings. Join us in celebrating the students, educators, and staff who make these schools exceptional!
PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AWARD - Congratulations to Principal Leon Mungin Jr. of Highlands Middle School who has been named one of just 15 principals in Florida to receive the Principal Leadership Award from Florida TaxWatch! This prestigious honor recognizes his dedication to creating meaningful change in students' lives. He was celebrated during a special ceremony on Feb. 28. But that’s not all! Shoutout to Highlands Middle School student Robert Jones, who learned during the ceremony that he’s been accepted into Andrew Jackson’s early college program AND will receive a four-year scholarship from Florida Prepaid. Please join us in celebrating these incredible achievements!
